Cosmetologist / Delaware
2026 data Delaware board official source

Delaware Cosmetologist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

PlainCredential home → About this data

Provides hair, skin, and nail care services. Required in all 50 states.

What the Delaware data shows for Cosmetologists

Delaware sets the entry bar for cosmetologists at 1,332 training hours and a passing score on State Cosmetology Board Exam. A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 16 or older. The credential is administered under Delaware's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Cosmetology School".

Upfront cost is $30, with renewal running $15 on a 2-year cycle. Expect roughly 2 weeks of processing once a complete application is submitted. Delaware doesn't require continuing education for this license, so upkeep costs stay confined to the renewal fee itself.

On reciprocity, cosmetologists should know: Varies by state — check with state board.

Licensing Ease Score

B-
Licensing Ease Score
65/100
Cosmetologist · Delaware

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
1,332 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee D
$118
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden B
$31/yr
$61 every 2 years
Continuing Education A+
None required
No continuing-education mandate
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Delaware

Education / Training Hours
Cosmetology School
1,332 hours
Exam Requirement
State Cosmetology Board Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$118
Renewal Fee
$61
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
2 wks
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
16 years
Compare fees across all states for Cosmetologist →

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Cosmetologist All Delaware licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Delaware licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Cosmetologist in Delaware? ▼
Delaware requires 1332 education/training hours, passing an exam (State Cosmetology Board Exam), and an initial fee of $118. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Cosmetologist in Delaware? ▼
Certification as a cosmetologist in Delaware means clearing the state's checklist: 1332 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Delaware licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Cosmetologist license to Delaware from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for cosmetologists nationally works like this: Varies by state — check with state board. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Delaware. Verify the specifics with the Delaware licensing board.
Does Delaware require a background check for Cosmetologist licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the cosmetologist licensing process in Delaware. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.
How much does it cost to get a Cosmetologist license in Delaware? ▼
The initial licensing fee in Delaware is $30. The renewal fee is $15 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 2 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Cosmetologist license processing take in Delaware? ▼
In Delaware, license processing for cosmetologists typically takes approximately 2 weeks after your complete application is submitted. Processing times may vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation.

Related Guides

What to do with this cosmetologist license

Cosmetologist in Delaware, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a cosmetologist-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Delaware's cosmetologist requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Cosmetologist in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state cosmetologist license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Delaware's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Delaware overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Delaware licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.